Ademola Lookman’s situation at Atalanta Bergamo remains uncertain after the hoped-for transfer of the Nigerian forward to Inter Milan failed to materialize this summer. Ahead of the crucial match against Lecce, Croatian coach Ivan Jurić announced that Lookman would not yet be fit to play, emphasizing the club’s efforts to reintegrate the player after a difficult period.
This summer, the transfer project to Inter Milan failed mainly due to a disagreement over the transfer fee. Atalanta was asking for around 50 million euros, a sum Inter was unwilling or unable to meet, resulting in Lookman staying in Bergamo amid tensions. The player, who had expressed his dissatisfaction by briefly missing training sessions and mentioning unfulfilled promises, saw Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi confirm that the club was only willing to sell him to a top foreign club, excluding Italian clubs like Inter Milan.
Despite this crisis, several signs indicate Atalanta’s desire to bring Lookman back into the fold. The 27-year-old player was registered on the UEFA list for the Champions League, demonstrating the club’s intention to use him this season, particularly in the group stage match against PSG on September 17[1]. Coach Jurić appears to want to rebuild trust with Lookman and work toward his gradual return, even if immediate play is not yet possible.
This situation raises questions about the player’s future at Atalanta, caught between internal conflicts and sporting prospects. Unless a new offer arrives before the Turkish or Saudi Arabian market closes, Lookman is expected to continue his career in Bergamo, at a club hoping to benefit from the talent of the former Fulham player despite recent difficulties[1].